30 January 2014

Connecticut-based Proton Onsite, which operates a fleet of ten Toyota FCHV-adv fuel cell vehicles, says that even in the recent single-digit temperatures, the FCHV-adv has performed without problems.

We had another snow storm Tuesday night and this morning the temperature was 3 degrees. I went out to my Toyota FCHV-adv and brushed off a foot of snow before starting the car right up.

—Mark Schiller, Proton vice president of business development

Toyota was quick to note that unlike pure battery electric vehicles which can see reductions in driving range in extreme temperatures, fuel cell vehicles’ performance stands up to freezing temperatures.

I continue to get range of about 300 miles despite the cold and blasting the heater. The vehicle performed flawlessly.

—Mark Schiller

FCHV-adv drivers at Air Products in Allentown tell the same story, according to Toyota.

Our employees have driven it to community and business-related events during one of Pennsylvania’s worst winters in recent memory. The FCHV-adv has had great performance.

Over the last decade, the Toyota fuel cell fleet has logged millions of miles in some of the most extreme climates on the planet. In Yellowknife, Canada, where temperatures reach -30 degrees Celsius, fuel cell engineers spent weeks verifying cold weather start up, performance and durability. In Death Valley, they verified that it also can beat the heat.

Are there any official studies or data collected about the cold weather range and performance of such FCEVs? It is rather interesting that colder climates would favour the FCEV/FCHEV for more consistent winter performance, while more moderate climates can be served with simple BEVs.

I have been looking for such data so far and have found nothing. I would appreciate if somebody could share their findings if there are any. Claims like the ones made in the articles are nice, but do not hold much weight when cited in official reports.